This is why I was so lucky to get Carl Buell to illustrate my first book.
Originally published February 21, 2006. Copyright 2006 Carl Zimmer.
Author: Lori Jia
In tomorrow’s New York Times, I have an article about how new species evolve. It describes new research into how a population can split into two species. The idea that species can evolve when populations get geographically isolated is well-supported by evidence, but the idea that individuals living side by side can split apart (called sympatric speciation) has sparked more controversy. The late biologist Ernst Mayr was the lead champion of the geographic isolation mechanism, and he was always skeptical of claims of sympatric speciation.
You and an oak tree have something in common: you’re both big. Unlike viruses and bacteria, you and an oak tree are both made up of trillions of cells. There’s something else you and an oak tree have in common: you both began as an individual cell, which then divided again and again, its daughter cells differentiating along the way to produce tissues. In your case, they turned into bone, muscle, liver, and such. In the oak’s case, the cells became bark, leaf, root.
Randy Olson , director of the movie, Flock of Dodos has sent in some thoughts regarding the ongoing conversation here about his movie. A lot of commenters were offering opinions on how evolutionary biologists should communicate with the rest of us. I thought I’d publish his entire comment here in a post of its own. (Added note: Randy is fielding questions and opinions in the comment thread if you want to join in.)
The nominees for the 2005 Koufax Awards: Best Expert Blog have been posted. Many thanks to whoever put the Loom on the list. The voting hasn’t started yet, but please keep this blog in mind when it does. I don’t hold out too much hope, since the list contains quite a lot of impressive bloggers.
But I will claim one title. I’m assuming that Carl and Ben “Language Log” Zimmer are the only siblings on the list.